Device for applying cosmetics



Sept. l0, 1940. Q A MUREAU 2,214,144

DEVICE FOR APPLYING COSMETICS Filed Sept. 6, 1958 Patented Sept. 10, 1940 UNITED sTA'res maar 10 Claims.

This invention relates toapplicators and relates more particularly to devices for applying cosmetics and the like. A general object of this invention is to provide a simple, practical and 5 improved device for facilitating the application of mascara and other cosmetics.

Another object of this invention is to provide a' cosmetic applicator having a reservoir containing a supply of the cosmetic and a novel and particularly eifective brush means for applying the cosmetic. While not limited in its use to the handling of any particular cosmetic the device of the present invention is particularly suited for the handling of mascara and embodies a novel brush means that is very effective in applying mascara to the eyelashes. The brush means of the device has bristles arranged and related to act as a comb to comb the 'mascara on the eyelashes in such a manner that the eyelashes do not stick together.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned in which the brush means is supported for projection to a position where it may be conveniently and safely employed.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned embodying a novel cosmetic discharge means for delivering or discharging the cosmetic between the bristles of the brush means.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned embodying a cover or cap for the brush means having ay part 35 that serves to scrape or wipe the excess cosmetic from the discharge when the cap is applied tothe device, and that serves to seal the discharge when the cap is in place, thereby preventing the cosmetic from hardening and caking at the dis- 40 charge.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned in which the brush means is easily replaceable when worn.

Another object of this invention is to provide a cosmetic applicator by means of which the cosmetic may be applied without soiling the hands and clothing. Y A further object of this invention is to provide a'devi'ce of the character mentioned that forms a 50 compact unit when not in use, and that may be carried about without danger of spilling or discharging the cosmetic.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughoutv whichl description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of the improved cosmetic applicator of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the device taken at right angles to Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side elevaticn of the device with the cap removed, showing the brush means in the normal or retracted position. Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the brush means turned to the projecting operative position, Fig. 5 is a central longitudinal detailed sectional view of the device with the brush means in the projected position. Figs. 6 and '7 are enlarged transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 5-5 and 1 7, respectively, on Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is an enlarged end elevation of the brush means, being a View taken as indicated by line 8 8 on Fig. 5, and Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the brush means taken substantially as indicated by line 9-9 on Fig. 5.

The device of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally, a body I0 having a chamber o-r reservoir Il for containing the cosmetic, applying means or brush means shiftably carried by the body l0 for movement between a retracted position and an active projected position, ejecting means l 3 for feeding the cosmetic from the reservoir Il to the brush 'means l2, and a removable cap I4 for enclosing the brush means l2 when the same is in the retracted position.

The body il] is provided to contain the cosmetic and to carry the various other elements of the device. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention the body i0 may be of any suitable shape and construction. In the typical form of the invention illustrated in the drawing the body I0 is an elongate cylindrical member. 'I'he body l0 is hollow having the central longitudinal reservoir Il for containing the cosmetic. An integral body wall i5 may extend across the outer end of the hollow body I0. A plug I6 is threaded in the inner end of the tubular body l0. The plug I6 may be provided with a radial external iiange l1 to engage against the adjacent end of the body Hl.- The plug 'I5 is adapted to be removed or unthreaded from the body l0 to provide for the refilling of the cosmetic reservoir il. The cosmetic containing body lll may be constructed of any suitable material and may be ornamented and finished as desired.

The applying means or brush means I2 isv an important feature of the invention. The means I2 includes a stem I8 carried by the body plug I6. The plug I6 has a longitudinal opening I9 laterally offset from its central longitudinal axis and the stem I8 has a reduced shank 20 turnable in the opening I9. Means is provided for holding the stem I8 against endwise movement and against detachment from the plug I6. In the construction illustrated the inner end portion of the shank 28 is upset or flared to secure the stem I8 against endwise movement and displacement. The stem I8 projects axially or longitudinally from the outer face of the plug I8 and in the preferred construction is polygonal or square in transverse cross section. A longitudinal passage 2I enters the stem I8 from the inner end of its shank 20 and extends outwardly to a point adjacent the outer end of the stem. A plurality of lateral, longitudinally spacediports 22 is provided in the stem I8. The ports 22 extend from the passage 2I to one of the fiat side faces of the polygonal stem` I8.

The brush means I2 further includes a discharge fitting or member 23 on the turnable projecting stem I8. While the member 23 may be an integral part of the stem I8 I have found it advantageous to form the member 23 of sheet metal, or the like, and permanently and rigidly secure it to the stem I8. The member 23 is a tubular element of square cross sectional configuration to fit tightly about the stem I8. 'Ihe member 23 has an outer end 24 turned in to engage against the outer end of the stem I8. The member 23 may be Secured to the stem IB by welding, soldering, or the like. The longitudinal edge portions of the sheet of metal of which the member 23 is formed are bent outwardly at right angles to a square side of the member to form spaced parallel flanges or lips 25. The opposite end portions of the lips 25 may be bent together and soldered or sweated to close the opposite ends of the space between the lips 25. The gap or elongate space between the laterally projecting lips 25 forms the cosmetic outlet or discharge 23 of the device. The outlet 26 has its inner portion in communication with' the spaced ports 22 to receive the cosmetic therefrom. The mouth of the outlet 26 is of substantial length and is quite narrow to discharge a thin, long web or ribbon of the cosmetic. The outer longitudinal edges or lips 25 at the mouth of the discharge 26 are preferably straight and flat, as illustrated in the drawing.

The means I2 further includes a brush at the cosmetic discharge 28 for applying the cosmetic. This brush includes two elongate strips 21 of fabric and a plurality of longitudinally spaced bristles 28 held between the fabric strips 21. The strips 21 are secured together to retain the bristles 28 in the correct relation. I have found it advantageous to form the strips 21 of adhesive tape or fabric coated on one side with adhesive material. The strips 21 are arranged with their adhe'sve carrying faces in engagement and the bristles 28 have their inner portions held securely between the adhesive carrying fabric strips 21. The bristles 28 extend laterally in one direction from the band formed by the fabric strips 21. The assembly of the strips 21 and the bristles 28 is arranged about or bent over the lips 25 so that a row of bristles 28 is provided at each side of the elongate cosmetic discharge 28 to project outwardly or laterally from the discharge. A clip 29 is then passed over the member 23 and engaged on the lips 25 to hold the brush assembly in place.

The clip 29 may be formed of thin sheet metal and is preferably shaped to engage about the member 23, as well as the lips 25. The clip 29 is generally square in transverse cross section and has two spaced parallel laterally projecting flanges 38 to bear against the strips 21 to hold the brush assembly on the lips 25. The clip 29 is adapted to be slid or passed over the member 23 from its outer end and has detent lugs 3I on its inner end shaped to snap over the inner end of the member 23. The flanges 30 of the clip 29 have inturned lugs 32 engaging against the outer ends of the lips 25. The detent lugs 3| and the stop lugs 32 serve to hold the clip- 29 in place where it, in turn, secures the brush assembly to the lips 25. The clip 29 may be removed by applying an outward force of substantial intensity to provide for the replacement of the brush when the same is worn. It is to be observed that there is a row of spaced bristles 28 at each side of the elongate cosmetic discharge 26 to receive the cosmetic and to apply the same to the eyelashes. The bristles 28 are preferably quite stiff and are spaced apart to act as a comb when the cosmetic is being applied.

The lips 25 project laterally from the stem I8 and the bristles 28 project laterally beyond the lips to form an elongate laterally facing and projecting brush. As described above, the stem I8 is turnable and the brush just mentioned may be turned between the retracted position shown in Figs. 3 and '7 and the projected position best shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The invention provides a novel yet simple means for releasably holding the stem I8 in the selected rotative position where the brush is projected or retracted. This means includes a boss or post 33 on the outer end of the body plug I8. The post 33 is polygonal in transverse cross section having two inwardly divergent sides and a fiat inner face adjacent the turnable stem I8. A transverse cut or slot 34 is provided in the post 33. The slot 34 enters the post 33 from its inner face. A substantially U-shaped spring wire 35 is arranged in the slot 34. The U-shaped Wire 35 has its transverse part bearing against the inner wall of the slot 34 and the spaced side arms of the wire extend outwardly beyond the inner face o f the post 33 to engage about the stem I8. The side arms of the U-shaped spring wire 35 are exposed at the sides of the slot 34 for the purpose to be hereinafter described. When the brush carrying stem I8 is manually turned its corners cooperate with the arms of the spring wire 35 and spread the arms until the corners move past the arms, at which time the arms flex inwardly to again bear against the flat sides of the stem. It will be apparent how the spring Wire 35 serves to releasably hold the stem I8, and the brush thereon, in the selected rotative positions.'I 'I'he wire 35 may be retained in the slot 34 by bending the outer portion of the post 33 inwardly to make the slot of reduced Width at its mouth.'

The means I3 is provided to force or eject cosmetic from the reservoir II out through the passage 2l, the ports 22 and the discharge 26 to the brush bristles 28. The means I3 includes a plunger or piston 36 operable in the reservoir 'I I. A recessed packing ring 31 may be provided in the periphery of the piston 36 to seal with the wall of the reservoir II. The packing ring 31 may serve to resist or prevent rotation of the piston 36. A threaded rod 38 is fixed to the piston 36 and extends axially toward the wall I5. A sleeve 39 is threaded on the rod 38 and has a reduced stem 40 rotatably received in a central opening 4I in the wall I5. The stem 4U projects beyond the outer end of the body I0 and an operating handle or knob 42 is iixed to the projecting portion of the stem. The knob 42 may be manipulated to rotate the sleeve 39 and the sleeve 39 threaded on the piston rod 38 causes the piston 36 to move axially in the reservoir II. The rod 39 engages the inner side of the wall I5 and the knob 42 engages the outer side of the wall I5 to hold the sleeve and knob against endwise movement.

The cap I4 is provided to enclose and protect the brush means I2. The cap I4 is shaped and formed to be readily passed over the brush means I2 when the same is in its retracted position. The inner end of the cap I4 is open toreceive the brush means I2 and the outer end of the cap is preferably closed. In accordance with the invention the cap I4 has two iiat sides 45 that are convergent to yconform to the pitched or convergent sides of the polygonal post 33. The sides 45 oi the cap I4 are adapted to engage about or against the sides of the post I3. The relationship between the sides 45 of the cap I4 and the sides of the post 33 is such that the user is obliged to apply the cap I4 to the device when in the correct rotative position. Indentations or detents 46a are provided on the cap sides 45 and are adapted to cooperate with the arms of the spring wire to releasably hold the cap I4 in place. When the cap I4 is disengaged from the device or when it is beingremoved, it may be employed as a tool or key to turn the brush means I2. The cap I4 may be brought to a position to receive or partially receive the brush means I2 'and to be free of the post 33. The sides 45 of the cap I4 are adapted to engage against the sides of the clip 29 to transmit turning movement to the means I2. Thus the user may manipulate or turn the brush means I2 by means of the cap I4 without directly engaging the means I2 and, therefore, without soiling his hands.

The cap I4 car-ries means for cleaning and sealing the discharge 26 to prevent the cosmetic from drying out and caking at the discharge. This means includes a member 46 contained rin the cap I 4. The member 43 is arranged longitudinally in the cap I4 and is T-shaped in cross section having a transverse head 41 engaged against an inside wall of the cap. The head 41 may be suitably fixed to the wall of the cap I4.

' The inner edge of the member 46 is positioned to move across and wipe or clean the mouth of the discharge 26 and the edges of the lips 25 when the cap I4 is arranged in place on the device. The mouth of the discharge 26 is preferably grooved or enlarged to receive the edge of the member 46, as shown. When the cap I4 is in its nal position the member 46 fully closes the mouth of the discharge 26 to prevent the cosmetic from drying and caking in the discharge. The above described relation between the convergent sides of the post 33 and the convergent sides 45 of the cap I4 make it necessary for the user to apply the cap in the correct rotative position so that the member 48 vengages across the discharge 26, as just described.

It is believed that the utility and practicability of the device provided by this invention will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description. The device may be carried about in the purse or pocketbook when the cap I4 is in place, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 6 and '7 of the drawing. The device is compact and light in weight. When it is desired to employ the device to apply the cosmetic the cap I4 is removed or isv disengaged from the post 33 and is engaged with the clip 29 so that its sides 45 engage the sides of the clip. The cap I4 is then Iturned with respect to the body I0 -to turn the means I2 to the operative position illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawing. The knob 42 is then turned to actuate the piston 36 inwardly 4so that a suitable quantity of the cosmetic is forced from the discharge 26. The cosmetic is forced out in a thin strip between the spaced rows of bristles 28. The body l D may then be grasped and manipulated to engage the brush bristles 28 with the eyelashes for the purpose of applying the cosmetic. Y As described above, the bristles 28 are stiff and spaced apart to act as a comb in applying the cosmetic. The bristles 28 project laterally beyond the clip 29, the stem I8 and the body I0, and may -be conveniently utilized to apply the cosmetic. The cap I4 may be re-engaged over the brush means I2 and turned to return the means I2 to its inactive retracted position. When the cap I4 has been brought to the proper position with relation to the post 33 it is moved inwardly over themeans I2 and positioned on the post so that its detents 46a engage the spring wire 35.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. A device for applying cosmetics comprising a body adapted to be used as a handle and having a reservoir for containing the cosmetic, a turnable stem projecting from an end of the body in offset relation to the central longitudinal axis of the body and having a passage communicating with the reservoir and a lateral discharge vent joining the passage, the discharge vent being elongated longitudinally of the stem, and rows of bristles extending along the opposite sides of the elongate discharge vent and projecting lat-lY erally from the stern to be swung between projected and retracted positions when the stem is turned.

2. A device for applying cosmetics comprising a body adapted to be used as a handle and having a reservoir for containing the cosmetic, a turnable stem projecting from an end of the body in offset relation to the central longitudinal axis of the body and having a passage communieating with the reservoir, longitudinally extending laterally projecting lips on the `stem spaced apart to have an elongate longitudinally extending and laterally facing discharge vent between them communicating with the passage, means in the body feeding the cosmetic from the reservoir to the discharge vent, and laterally projecting brush bristles carried by the lips.

3. A device for applying cosmetics comprising a body having a cosmetic reservoir and adapted to be employed as a handle, a vstem turnably carried by the body and projecting from one end thereof in offset relation to its longitudinal axis and provided with an elongate lateral projection, the stem having a longitudinal passage leading from the reservoir to the outer longitudinal edge of the projection where it terminates in an elongate discharge vent, and a brush assembly comprising fabric trained about said projection, and

bristles carried by the fabric and projecting from said edge of the projection.

4. A device for applying cosmetics comprising a body having a cosmetic reservoir and adapted to be emp-loyed as a handle, a stem turnably carried by the body and projecting from one end thereof in offset relation to its longitudinal axis and provided with an elongate lateral projection, the stem having a longitudinal passage leading from the reservoir to the outer longitudinal edge of the projection Where it terminates in an elongate discharge vent, fabric trained against opposite sides of the projection, bristles carried by the fabric to project laterally from said edge, and means removably retaining the fabric on the projection.

5. A device for applying cosmetic comprising a body having a cosmetic containing chamber, a stem projecting from the body and provided with a lateral projection having a cosmetic discharge vent, the stem having a passage for conducting the cosmetic from the chamber to the discharge vent, a fabric strip trained about the projection, spaced bristles carried by the strip and projecting from the projection to apply the cosmetic, and a clip removably retaining the strip on the projection.

6. A device for applying cosmetic comprising a body having a cosmetic containing chamber, a stem projecting from the body and provided with a lateral projection having a cosmetic outlet, the stem having a passage for conducting the cosmetic from the chamber to the outlet, a fabric strip trained about the projection, spaced bristles carried by the strip and projecting from the projection at opposite sides of the outlet, and a metal clip removably engaging about the stem to retain the strip on the projection.

7. A device for applying cosmetics comprising a body adapted to be used as a handle and having a reservoir for containing the cosmetic and a laterally facing discharge vent for the cosmetic, rows of bristles extending along the opposite sides of the discharge vent and projecting laterally, a removable cap for the body for enclosing the bristles arranged in place and removed by longitudinal movement relative to the body, and a part in the cap sealing said discharge vent when the cap is on the body and cooperating with the body to Wipe the vent upon said relative movement of the cap.

8. A device for applying cosmetics comprising a body adapted to be used as a handle and having a reservoir for containing the cosmetic and a lateral discharge vent for the cosmetic, rows of bristles extending along the opposite sides of the discharge vent and projecting laterally from the vent, a removable cap for the body for enclosing the bristles, the cap being applied and removed by longitudinal movement relative to the body, and a member in the cap receivable between said rows of bristles to wipe the discharge vent as the cap is applied to the body.

9, A device for applying cosmetics comprising a body adapted to be used as a handle and having a reservoir for containing the cosmetic, a turnable stem projecting from an end of the body in offset relation to the central longitudinal axis of the body and having a passage communicating with the reservoir and a lateral cosmetic outlet joining the passage, laterally projecting bristles on the stem around the outlet to be moved between retracted and projected positions when the stem is turned, and means for yieldingly holding the stem in the selected rotative positions comprising a post on the said end of the body, and a spring carried by the post and cooperating with the stem.

10. A device for applying cosmetics comprising a body adapted to be used as a handle and having a reservoir for containing the cosmetic, a turnable stem projecting from an end of the body in offset relation to the central longitudinal axis of the body and having a passage communieating with the reservoir and a lateral cosmetic vent joining the passage, laterally projecting bristles on the stem around the vent to be moved between retracted and projected positions when the stem is turned, and means for yieldingly holding the stem in the selected rotative positions comprising a post on the said end of the body, fiat faces on the stern, and a spring wire carried by the post engaging said faces of the stem.

CHARLES A. MUREAU. 

